Shirley Kushner, a resident near Montreal’s Atwater Market for over a decade, has noticed an uptick in theft and vandalism in the area. She expressed her growing concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for action.
The community is divided over a supervised consumption site (SCS) at Maison Benoît Labre, with residents like Kushner advocating for its closure due to its proximity to a school. Recent tensions escalated as opposing groups clashed, debating the site’s impact on the neighborhood.
Maison Benoît Labre, operational since 2024, offers subsidized housing and the SCS to monitor drug use for potential overdoses. However, due to operating beyond capacity, the SCS has to turn away a significant number of users, leading to visible drug use and discarded paraphernalia in the vicinity.
Over 2,400 residents signed a petition demanding increased security and the removal of the SCS, prompting Quebec to pass Bill 103, mandating supervised consumption sites to relocate away from schools within four years.
Among those advocating for the closure of the site is a group called UPTFM, which organized a protest against the SCS. Meanwhile, local business owners, like Herman Alves, have reported a rise in burglaries and theft incidents in the area.
While the supervised consumption services are set to move, other critical services at Maison Benoît Labre will continue, according to the organization’s executive director. The center’s efforts have been crucial in preventing fatal overdoses and providing necessary healthcare services to the community.
Despite the opposition, advocates like Alexandre Berthelot stress the importance of maintaining such facilities and addressing underlying societal issues. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada called for tolerance and understanding, emphasizing the city’s commitment to enhancing social cohesion.
As discussions on the site’s relocation continue, concerns remain about potential displacement of issues to other areas. Maison Benoît Labre is actively engaging with authorities to ensure a smooth transition while balancing community needs and supporting vulnerable populations.
